How to Handle a Change of Address in California

Updated on Thu, 6/12/2014

If you are a California resident and have changed addresses or plan to do so in the near future, you must have the address information updated on your license, vehicle registration and title certificate. You are also required to notify your insurance provider of your new address.

REPORTING A CHANGE OF ADDRESS TO THE DRIVER LICENSE DIVISION

You must notify the California Department of Motor Vehicles of a change in address within 10 days of moving to a new residence, and to obtain a replacement driver license. Reporting a change of address to your DMV office is simple, and can be done in person, via mail, or online. If you are a commercial license holder, apply in person at your local driver license office.

The change of address is free of charge if applied for a change of address certificate card. If you want a license with the new address then you must apply for a duplicate license that will cost you $22.

Reporting an address change by mail:

CA-94259-0001

Your change of address sticker to be affixed to the back of your license will arrive via mail.

Until you receive the same, you must write the new address, sign and date it and keep it along with the license and not tape it or staple it to the license.

Reporting an address change via the Internet:

You can report a change of address online by visiting GoRenew and following the instructions carefully.

The change can be made free of charge.

You will require your latest driver license or ID card, vehicle registration number, social security number and details of the old and new address and if the vehicle is leased then the name of the leasing company.

It takes three business days for the records to be updated in the DMV office and you can verify the transaction after three days by choosing the option - 'Check Status Update'.

You must keep in mind that if you use this option then renewal of the license must be made in person only.

ADDRESS CHANGE ON YOUR VEHICLE TITLE AND REGISTRATION

You must notify your DMV office of a change of address and have this information updated on your California Vehicle Title and Registration certificate. This must be done within 10 days of moving to a new address, since this will allow you to receive your renewal notice and any other correspondence in a timely fashion.

You can either report the change of address in person by visiting your DMV office, or via mail, and your records will be updated at no charge. You can also choose to report the change of address online for free. All major credit cards are accepted.

NOTIFYING YOUR INSURANCE SERVICE PROVIDER OF AN ADDRESS CHANGE

You must also notify your insurance provider of your change of address, so that you receive timely information regarding due dates for payments, renewals, and other communication.

To save time and money, some California drivers who change addresses choose to obtain a free quote for new auto insurance instead of changing the address with their current insurance provider. Not only does this save the hassle of contacting and notifying the current insurance company, but it could potentially save hundreds of dollars by identifying companies that offer lower rates and/or better coverage.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

If you are a non-US citizen residing in California, and wish to have your address updated on your license, you must apply in person at a DMV Office. Please remember to bring appropriate proof of legal presence.

Reviews of How to Handle a Change of Address in California

Submitted by Piratebabe on Thu, 2012-07-26 14:03.

I had an appointment way back in May because I had a change of address. I was told that they would use my last photo for a new CDL,but I never received it. So I would like to make an appointment to have my photo done and put on a new drivers license.

Dmv is a joke! I sent in my registration renewal payment at the beginning of march, from my current address, they sent my stickers to a house I haven't lived in for 2 years! I went to change my address online and I can't. It's funny how they send the bill to the right address but they can't figure out how to send my stickers to the same address they sent the bill to. FAILURES!!!

I have been waiting for my license for 2 months and still have not recieved it. The mailman sent it back to the DMV! now I can't change the address online or talk to anyone at the DMV to have it resent to my house. PATHETIC! You can't cash your employment checks without ID so thanks for the paper one that I cannot use!!!!!!

My daughter took the drivers test in Nov 2010 called in Jan they said the postman sent it back and that they were resending it now its July 2011. Still no drivers license she is going to just go pay 30 dollars and have it sent to another address and hopefully she will finally get it she is 18 and in college and she really need it to drive with the temp has expired twice already its not the postman its the dmv.